Choosing the Best Type of Hot Water System for Your Home
by Nicholas Chambers
When it's time to get a new hot water heater for your home, you don't need to rely on a standard hot water tank like the one you may have currently, although it may be the right choice for your home's needs. Typically, you can choose a storage tank, a continuous flow system, or a solar panel for the water heater. Each has their own pros and cons, so note a few considerations about them here so you can decide which is right for you.
Storage tanks
These tanks store water and keep it continuously heated with coils that are warmed by either gas or electric power. If this is the type of hot water system you have currently, then it may be easiest to simply choose a replacement tank and have it installed. This would mean no modifications to your home would be needed, and your system would be up and running as soon as it can be installed.
Continuous flow systems
These systems don't store water but have it flow over pipes or tubes that heat the water as it enters the home and then runs to the taps. This heat is usually provided by gas. The unit that runs water into the home and heats it is very small and wall-mounted. This system means never having to run out of hot water, as it doesn't heat stored water; it also means not heating water before it's actually used. The sensors in the continuous flow systems are connected to the tap, and when the tap is set to a certain temperature, the system begins heating the water. This type of system is very cost-effective, since you're not heating water until you need it, but may be more expensive to install, since you may need to modify the pipes that bring water into your home so that they work with the system.
Solar panels
A solar panel can be affixed to your home's roof and then connected to a water heating system, so that the coils that heat the water are powered by the panel rather than electricity or heat. They often require a booster, which is a gas or electric power source that switches on when there is no more power in the solar panel. A solar panel will still usually mean less money spent on your utilities, as the booster only kicks in when the solar panel is drained. This system can be more expensive to install, as the panels need to be mounted to the roof and then wired to the system.
For more information about your water heater options, you may want to contact a local installation company like Modica Gas & Plumbing.
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About Me
If I didn't know better, I'd think my toddler started each day with a challenge to throw something new and different down the toilet. He has managed to put nearly anything can imagine down the toilet. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what has gone missing down the loo and whether it's something I can fix or something that I need to call the plumber to help me fix it. This blog is for other mums of toddlers who need to get toys out of the toilet and get the toilet back to working condition as soon as possible!